Passengers flying direct to the US will from Tuesday have to show their electronic devices can be switched on during security checks, Amsterdam Schiphol airport has announced.

The extra security check includes all battery-operated equipment such as mobile phones, laptops, tablets, cameras, e-readers and games consoles.

If the device cannot be switched on – perhaps because the battery is empty – then it cannot be taken on board, Schiphol said.

The enhanced check will take place at the gate, just before boarding.

Explosives

It comes at the request of the US authorities who want devices switched on to show they do not contain explosives.

A Schiphol spokesman said any confiscated electronic devices would not end up in the rubbish bin but would be sent back to the owner.